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SUTHERLIN, Ore. -- In Sutherlin, a new policy will require students in grades 7-12 to take a drug test before they can participate in district-sponsored activities and extra-curricular activities.

Testing will be at the start of the season, and at once more during the season of an activity, whether it's a sport or a play, student council or any other activity put on through the schools.

Kylee Carson is a Sutherlin student athlete, and she told KPIC News she agrees with the testing program. "I know of kids on different sports teams that are involved with drugs, and I've seen them bring down other kids that may be on their sports team," she said.

The principal of Sutherlin High School, Justin Huntley, says he also supports the program. "This way, everybody is on an even playing field," said Huntley. "There is no question whether someone is using or not, it's clear cut."

Huntley says the district is paying for the testing, which he says will be about $7,000 per year.

Overall, he says the response has been positive at both the middle and high schools.

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